EP1016529A1 - Imprimante à jet d'encre avec dispositif de nettoyage pourvu d'un balai d'essuyage et d'un transducteur et procédé pour l'assemblage de l'imprimante - Google Patents

Imprimante à jet d'encre avec dispositif de nettoyage pourvu d'un balai d'essuyage et d'un transducteur et procédé pour l'assemblage de l'imprimante Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1016529A1
EP1016529A1 EP99204268A EP99204268A EP1016529A1 EP 1016529 A1 EP1016529 A1 EP 1016529A1 EP 99204268 A EP99204268 A EP 99204268A EP 99204268 A EP99204268 A EP 99204268A EP 1016529 A1 EP1016529 A1 EP 1016529A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
wiper
print head
cleaning mechanism
contaminant
cleaning
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP99204268A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Ravi Eastman Kodak Company P.L.S. Sharma
Todd R. Eastman Kodak Company P.L.S. Griffin
Charles Jr. Eastman Kodak Company P.L.S. Faisst
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eastman Kodak Co
Original Assignee
Eastman Kodak Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Eastman Kodak Co filed Critical Eastman Kodak Co
Publication of EP1016529A1 publication Critical patent/EP1016529A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/16535—Cleaning of print head nozzles using wiping constructions
    • B41J2/16544—Constructions for the positioning of wipers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2/16535—Cleaning of print head nozzles using wiping constructions
    • B41J2/16541—Means to remove deposits from wipers or scrapers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
    • B41J2/18—Ink recirculation systems
    • B41J2/185—Ink-collectors; Ink-catchers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
    • B41J2/01—Ink jet
    • B41J2/135—Nozzles
    • B41J2/165—Prevention or detection of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
    • B41J2/16517—Cleaning of print head nozzles
    • B41J2002/16567—Cleaning of print head nozzles using ultrasonic or vibrating means

Definitions

  • This invention generally relates to ink jet printer apparatus and methods and more particularly relates to an ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having a wiper blade and transducer, and method of assembling the printer.
  • An ink jet printer produces images on a receiver by ejecting ink droplets onto the receiver in an imagewise fashion.
  • the advantages of non-impact, low-noise, low energy use, and low cost operation in addition to the capability of the printer to print on plain paper are largely responsible for the wide acceptance of ink jet printers in the marketplace.
  • continuous ink jet printers utilize electrostatic charging tunnels placed close to the point where ink droplets are being ejected in the form of a stream. Selected ones of the droplets are electrically charged by the charging tunnels. The charged droplets are deflected downstream by the presence of deflector plates that have a predetermined electric potential difference between them. A gutter may be used to intercept the charged droplets, while the uncharged droplets are free to strike the recording medium.
  • a pressurization actuator is used to produce the ink jet droplet.
  • either one of two types of actuators may be used.
  • These two types of actuators are heat actuators and piezoelectric actuators.
  • heat actuators a heater placed at a convenient location heats the ink and a quantity of the ink will phase change into a gaseous steam bubble and raise the internal ink pressure sufficiently for an ink droplet to be expelled to the recording medium.
  • piezoelectric actuators a piezoelectric material is used, which piezoelectric material possess piezoelectric properties such that an electric field is produced when a mechanical stress is applied.
  • Inks for high speed ink jet printers whether of the "continuous” or “piezoelectric” type, have a number of special characteristics.
  • the ink should incorporate a nondrying characteristic, so that drying of ink in the ink ejection chamber is hindered or slowed to such a state that by occasional spitting of ink droplets, the cavities and corresponding orifices are kept open.
  • the addition of glycol facilitates free flow of ink through the ink jet chamber.
  • the ink jet print head is exposed to the environment where the ink jet printing occurs.
  • the previously mentioned orifices are exposed to many kinds of air born particulates.
  • Particulate debris may accumulate on surfaces formed around the orifices and may accumulate in the orifices and chambers themselves. That is, the ink may combine with such particulate debris to form an interference burr that blocks the orifice or that alters surface wetting to inhibit proper formation of the ink droplet.
  • the ink may simply dry-out and form hardened deposits on the print head surface and in the ink channels.
  • the particulate debris and deposits should be cleaned from the surface and orifice to restore proper droplet formation. In the prior art, this cleaning is commonly accomplished by brushing, wiping, spraying, vacuum suction or spitting of ink through the orifice.
  • inks used in ink jet printers can be said to have the following problems: the inks tend to dry-out in and around the orifices resulting in clogging of the orifices; the wiping of the orifice plate causes wear on plate and wiper and the wiper itself produces particles that clog the orifice; cleaning cycles are time consuming and slow productivity of ink jet printers.
  • printing rate declines in large format printing where frequent cleaning cycles interrupt the printing of an image. Printing rate also declines in the case when a special printing pattern is initiated to compensate for plugged or badly performing orifices.
  • Ink jet print head cleaners are known.
  • a wiping system for ink jet print heads is disclosed in U.S. Patent 5,614,930 titled "Orthogonal Rotary Wiping System For Inkjet Printheads" issued March 25,1997 in the name of William S. Osborne et al.
  • This patent discloses a rotary service station that has a wiper supporting tumbler. The tumbler rotates to wipe the print head along a length of linearly aligned nozzle.
  • a wiper scraping system scrapes the wipers to clean the wipers.
  • Osborne et al. do not disclose use of an external solvent to assist cleaning and also does not disclose complete removal of the external solvent.
  • an object of the present invention is to provide a suitable ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having a wiper blade and transducer, and method of assembling the printer, which cleaning mechanism is capable of simultaneously cleaning the print head surface and ink channels.
  • the invention resides in an ink jet printer, comprising a print head having a surface thereon and an ink channel therein; and a cleaning mechanism associated with said print head and adapted to simultaneously clean contaminant from the surface and the ink channel, said cleaning mechanism including a wiper having a plurality of wicking channels therein alignable with the surface, the wicking channels communicating with a passageway formed in said cleaning mechanism; and a sonic vibrator connected to said wiper for vibrating said wiper, so that said vibrator cleans the contaminant from the surface.
  • an ink jet printer comprises a print head having a surface thereon surrounding a plurality of ink ejection orifices.
  • the orifices are in communication with respective ones of a plurality of ink channels formed in the print head.
  • a solvent delivering wiper has a plurality of internal passageways formed therethrough alignable with the surface which delivers a liquid solvent cleaning agent to the surface to flush contaminant from the surface. In this manner, contaminant residing on the surface is entrained in the solvent while the wiper flushes contaminant from the surface.
  • a transducer is integrated in the wiper blade, which is capable of serving three functions.
  • the transducer can be used to produce a mechanical vibration in the wiper, it can be used as the means to pump the cleaning solvent, or it can be used to ultrasonically energize the cleaning solvent.
  • the solvent delivering wiper has a second passageway alignable with the surface which vacuums solvent and entrained contaminant from the surface.
  • wicking channels or groves are provided on the beveled edge of the wiper blade.
  • the previously described wiper and transducer will here-in-below be referred to as a cleaning block.
  • a piping circuit is provided for filtering the particulate matter from the solvent and for recirculating clean solvent to the surface of the print head.
  • a translation mechanism is connected to the wiper for translating, the wiper across the print head surface.
  • the translation mechanism may comprise a lead-screw threadably engaging the wiper.
  • a displacement mechanism is connected to the wiper for displacing the wiper to a position proximate the surface of the print head to enable cleaning of the ink channels and the surface of the print head.
  • the cleaning block, associated translation mechanism, and plumbing will be referred to hereinbelow as a cleaning mechanism.
  • a feature of the present invention is the provision of a cleaning mechanism associated with the print head, which cleaning mechanism is adapted to simultaneously clean contaminant from the print head surface and ink channels.
  • An advantage of the present invention is that cleaning time is reduced because the print head surface and ink channels are cleaned simultaneously.
  • a first embodiment ink jet printer for printing an image 20 (shown in phantom) on a receiver 30 (also shown in phantom), which may be a reflective-type receiver (e.g., paper) or a transmissive-type receiver (e.g., transparency).
  • Receiver 30 is supported on a platen roller 40 capable of being rotated by a platen roller motor 50 engaging platen roller 40.
  • platen roller motor 50 rotates platen roller 40
  • receiver 30 will advance in a direction illustrated by a first arrow 55.
  • Platen roller 40 is adapted to pivot outwardly about a pivot shaft 57 along an arc 59 for reasons disclosed hereinbelow. Many designs for feeding paper for printing are possible.
  • Another mechanism utilizes a first set of feed rollers to dispose receiver onto a plate for printing. A second set of feed rollers remove the receiver when printing is completed.
  • printer 10 also comprises a reciprocating print head 60 disposed adjacent to platen roller 40.
  • Print head 60 includes a plurality of ink channels 70 formed therein (only six of which are shown), each channel 70 terminating in a channel outlet 75.
  • each channel 70 which is adapted to hold an ink body 77 therein, is defined by a pair of oppositely disposed parallel side walls 79a and 79b.
  • Print head 60 may further include a cover plate 80 having a plurality of orifices 90 formed therethrough colinearly aligned with respective ones of channel outlets 75, such that each orifice 90 faces receiver 30.
  • a surface 95 of cover plate 80 surrounds all orifices 90 and also faces receiver 30.
  • print head 60 may be a "piezoelectric ink jet" print head formed of a piezoelectric material, such as lead zirconium titanate (PZT).
  • PZT lead zirconium titanate
  • Such a piezoelectric material is mechanically responsive to electrical stimuli so that side walls 79a/b simultaneously inwardly deform when electrically stimulated.
  • volume of channel 70 decreases to squeeze ink droplet 100 from channel 70 and through orifice 90.
  • a transport mechanism is connected to print head 60 for reciprocating print head 60 between a first position 115a thereof and a second position 115b (shown in phantom).
  • transport mechanism 110 reciprocates print head 60 in direction of a second arrow 117.
  • Print head 60 slidably engages an elongate guide rail 120, which guides print head 60 parallel to platen roller 40 while print head 60 is reciprocated.
  • Transport mechanism 110 also comprises a drive belt 130 attached to print head 60 for reciprocating print head 60 between first position 115a and second position 115b, as described presently.
  • a reversible drive belt motor 140 engages belt 130, such that belt 130 reciprocates in order that print head 60 reciprocates with respect to platen 40.
  • an encoder strip 150 coupled to print head 60 monitors position of print head 60 as print head 60 reciprocates between first position 115a and second position 115b.
  • a controller 160 is connected to platen roller motor 50, drive belt motor 140, encoder strip 150 and print head 60 for controlling operation thereof to suitably form image 20 on receiver 30.
  • a controller may be a Model CompuMotor controller available from Parker Hannifin, Incorporated located in Rohnert Park, California, U.S.A.
  • particulate matter 165 may have contaminant thereon, such as particulate matter 165.
  • Such particulate matter 165 also may partially or completely obstruct orifice 90.
  • Particulate matter 165 may be, for example, particles of dirt, dust, metal and/or encrustations of dried ink.
  • the contaminant may also be an unwanted film (e.g., grease, oxide, or the like).
  • an unwanted film e.g., grease, oxide, or the like.
  • ink droplet 105 may be diverted from preferred axis 105 to travel along a non-preferred axis 167 (as shown). If ink droplet 100 travels along non-preferred axis 167, ink droplet 100 will land on receiver 30 in an unintended location. In this manner, such complete or partial obstruction of orifice 90 leads to printing artifacts such as "banding", a highly undesirable result. Also, presence of particulate matter 165 on surface 95 may alter surface wetting and inhibit proper formation of droplet 100. Therefore, it is desirable to clean (i.e., remove) particulate matter 165 to avoid printing artifacts and improper formation of droplet 100.
  • first embodiment cleaning block 175 includes a solvent delivering wiper 210 with a transducer 180 mounted atop the wiper.
  • Wiper 210 has a first set of multiple internal areaways 220 formed therethrough.
  • Solvent delivering wiper 210 is oriented with respect to surface 95 such that first areaways 220 are alignable with surface 95 for reasons disclosed presently.
  • first areaways 220 are alignable with surface 95 for delivering a liquid solvent cleaning agent to surface 95 in order to flush particulate matter 165 from surface 95 (as shown).
  • particulate matter 165 will be entrained in the solvent as the solvent flushes particulate matter 165 from surface 95.
  • Wiper 210 may also include a blade portion 225 integrally formed therewith for lifting contaminant 165 from surface 95 as cleaning wiper blade 210 traverses surface 95 in direction of a third arrow 227.
  • the transducer 180 is mounted atop the cleaning wiper blade 210 by any suitable means known in the art, such as by a suitable screw fastener (not shown).
  • the transducer has a wire harness 195 extending from it, leading to a controller 190.
  • the transducer is driven via the controller, which produces a mechanical vibration in the cleaning wiper blade 210. This mechanical vibration produces a shearing type effect in the blade portion 225 as it transverses the printhead surface 95, which aids in the removal of stubborn particulate matter 165.
  • wicking channels 230 and a second set of multiple internal cuts 240 in combination with vacuum pump 290 co-act to remove solvent and particulate matter 165 which may have been left by blade portion 225 as blade portion 225 traverses surface 95 (as shown).
  • a second embodiment cleaning block 242 includes a solvent delivering wiper 210 with a transducer 180 mounted internal to the wiper.
  • the second embodiment cleaning block 242 serves the same function as first embodiment cleaning block 235 with the only exception being in the placement and functionality of transducer 180.
  • the transducer 180 is mounted internal to solvent delivering wiper 210 and serves as an extra means of controlling the solvent flow through first set of multiple internal areaways 220.
  • the transducer is activated via controller 190 and wiring harness 195, and is capable of controlling the solvent delivered to the surface 95.
  • a third embodiment cleaning block 244 includes a solvent delivering wiper 210, a solvent manifold 200 and transducer 180 mounted behind the solvent manifold.
  • the third embodiment cleaning block 244 serves the same function as first embodiment cleaning block 235 and second embodiment 242.
  • solvent manifold 200 is attached to the solvent delivering wiper 210 by any suitable means known in the art, such as by a suitable screw fastener (not shown).
  • Attached to the rear of manifold 200 is transducer 180 also connected by any suitable means known in the art, such as by a suitable screw fastener (not shown).
  • the transducer is connected to and controlled by controller 190 via wiring harness 195. When the transducer is activated, it ultrasonically energizes the solvent in the manifold. The solvent is ejected onto surface 95 and the removal of particulate 165 is enhanced by the energized solvent.
  • Fig 8A shows first embodiment cleaning block 175 in a scraping mode defined as having an angle ⁇ less than 90 degrees.
  • Fig. 8B shows first embodiment cleaning block 175 in a wiping mode defined as having an angle ⁇ greater than 90 degrees.
  • a piping circuit is associated with print head 60 for reasons disclosed momentarily.
  • piping circuit 250 includes a first piping segment 260 coupled to first areaway 220 formed through wiper 210.
  • a discharge pump 270 is connected to first piping segment 260 for discharging the solvent into first piping segment 260.
  • the solvent discharges into first set of areaways 220 formed within the wiper 210 and onto surface 95 while discharge pump 270 discharges the solvent into first piping segment 260.
  • the solvent discharged onto surface 95 is chosen such that the solvent also, at least in part, acts as lubricant to lubricate surface 95.
  • a second piping segment 280 is coupled to a second set of cuts 240 formed within the wiper 210.
  • a vacuum pump 290 is connected to second piping segment 280 for inducing negative pressure (i.e., pressure less than atmospheric pressure) in second piping segment 280.
  • negative pressure is induced in second set of cuts 240 and in second piping segment 280.
  • the solvent and entrained particulate matter 165 are vacuumed from surface 95 to enter second set of cuts 240.
  • first piping segment 260 is coupled to the first set of multiple internal areaways 220 via a passageway internal to solvent manifold 200.
  • second piping segment 280 is coupled to the second set of multiple internal cuts 240 via a passageway internal to solvent manifold 200. It should be noted that the two passageways in manifold 200 are unconnected, with one being used for the fresh solvent introduced to the wiper and the other used for the "dirty" solvent sucked from surface 95.
  • first piping segment 260 interposed between first piping segment 260 and second piping segment 280 is a solvent supply reservoir 300 having a supply of the solvent therein.
  • Discharge pump 270 which is connected to first piping segment 260, draws the solvent from reservoir 300 and discharges the solvent into second areaways 220 by means of first piping circuit 260.
  • first piping circuit 260 extends from wiper 210 to reservoir 300.
  • vacuum pump 290 which is connected to second piping segment 280, pumps the solvent and particulate matter 165 from print head surface 95 toward reservoir 300.
  • circuit 250 defines a recirculation loop for recirculating contaminant-free solvent across surface 95 to efficiently clean surface 95.
  • first segment 260 is connected to first segment 260 to first segment 260 to first segment 260 to first segment 260 to first segment 260.
  • first valve 314 and second valve 316 are interposed between reservoir 300 and vacuum pump 290. Presence of first valve 314 and second valve 316 make it more convenient to perform maintenance on cleaning mechanism 170. That is, first valve 314 and second valve 316 allow cleaning mechanism 170 to be easily taken out-of service f or maintenance.
  • discharge pump 270 is shut-off and first valve 314 is closed.
  • Vacuum pump 290 is operated until solvent and particulate matter are substantially evacuated from second piping segment 280.
  • second valve 316 is closed and vacuum pump 290 is shut-off.
  • saturated filter 310 is replaced with a clean filter 310.
  • cleaning mechanism 170 is returned to service substantially in reverse to steps used to take cleaning mechanism 170 out-of service.
  • a translation mechanism is connected to cleaning block 175 for translating cleaning block 175 across surface 95 of print head 60.
  • translation mechanism 320 comprises an elongate externally threaded lead-screw 330 threadably engaging cleaning block 175.
  • Engaging lead-screw 330 is a motor 340 capable of rotating lead-screw 330, so that cleaning block 175, traverses surface 95 as lead-screw 330 rotates.
  • cleaning block 175 traverses surface 95 in direction of a fourth arrow 345.
  • cleaning block 175 is capable of being translated to any location on lead-screw 330, which preferably extends the length of guide rail 120. Being able to translate cleaning block 175 to any location on lead-screw 330 allows cleaning block 175 to clean print head 60 wherever print head 60 is located on guide rail 120.
  • a displacement mechanism 350 for displacing cleaning block 175 to a position proximate surface 95 of print head 60.
  • platen roller 40 is disposed adjacent to print head 60 and, unless appropriate steps are taken, will interfere with displacing cleaning block 175 to a position proximate surface 95. Therefore, it is desirable to move platen roller 40 out of interference with cleaning block 175 so that cleaning block 175 can be displaced proximate surface 95. Therefore, according to the first embodiment of printer 10, platen roller 40 is pivoted outwardly about previously mentioned pivot shaft 57 along arc 59. After platen roller 40 has been pivoted, displacement mechanism 350 is operated to displace cleaning block 175 to a position proximate surface 95 to begin removal of particulate matter 165 from ink channel 70 and surface 95.
  • Second embodiment ink jet printer 360 capable of simultaneously removing particulate matter 165 from ink channel 70 and surface 95.
  • Second embodiment ink jet printer 360 is substantially similar to first embodiment ink jet printer 10, except that platen roller 40 is fixed (i.e., non-pivoting).
  • print head 60 pivots about a pivot pin 370 to an upright position (as shown).
  • cleaning mechanism 170 is oriented in an upright position (as shown) and displacement mechanism 350 displaces cleaning block 175, so that cleaning block is moved to a location proximate surface 95.
  • a third embodiment ink jet printer 400 capable of simultaneously removing particulate matter 165 from ink channel 70 and surface 95.
  • Third embodiment ink jet printer 400 is substantially similar to first embodiment ink jet printer 10, except that platen roller 40 is fixed (i.e., non-pivoting).
  • print head 60 pivots about pivot pin 370 to an upright position (as shown) and displacement mechanism 350 displaces printer 400 (except for platen roller 40), so that printer 400 is moved to a location proximate cleaning mechanism 170.
  • cleaning mechanism 170 is oriented in a fixed upright position (as shown).
  • FIG. 13 and 14 there is shown a fourth embodiment ink jet printer 410 capable of simultaneously removing particulate matter 165 from ink channel 70 and surface 95.
  • Fourth embodiment ink jet printer 410 is substantially similar to first embodiment ink jet printer 10, except that platen roller 40 is fixed (i.e., non-pivoting) and cleaning assembly 170 is off-set from an end portion of platen roller 40 by a distance "X". Also, according to this third embodiment printer, displacement mechanism 350 displaces printer 410 (except for platen roller 40), so that printer 410 is moved to a location proximate cleaning mechanism 170.
  • Second printer 400 is a so-called "page-width" printer capable of printing across width W of receiver 30 without reciprocating across width W. That is, printer 420 comprises print head 60 of length substantially equal to width W. Connected to print head 60 is a carriage 430 adapted to carry print head 60 in direction of first arrow 55. In this regard, carriage 430 slidably engages an elongate slide member 440 extending parallel to receiver 30 in direction of first arrow 55. A print head drive motor 450 is connected to carriage 430 for operating carriage 430, so that carriage 430 slides along slide member 440 in direction of first arrow 55.
  • print head 60 As carriage 430 slides along slide member 440 in direction of first arrow 55, print head 60 also travels in direction of first arrow 55 because print head 60 is connected to carriage 430. In this manner, print head 60 is capable of printing a plurality of images 20 (as shown) in a single printing pass along length of receiver 30.
  • a first feed roller 460 engages receiver 30 for feeding receiver 30 in direction of first arrow 55 after all images 20 have been printed.
  • a first feed roller motor 470 engages first feed roller 460 for rotating first feed roller 460, so that receiver 30 feeds in direction of first arrow 55.
  • a second feed roller 480 spaced-apart from first feed roller 460, may also engage receiver 30 for feeding receiver 30 in direction of first arrow 55.
  • a second feed roller motor 490 synchronized with first feed roller motor 470, engages second feed roller 480 for rotating second feed roller 480, so that receiver 30 smoothly feeds in direction of first arrow 55.
  • a support member such as a stationary flat platen 500, for supporting receiver 30 thereon as receiver feeds from first feed roller 460 to second feed roller 480.
  • controller 160 is connected to print head 60, print head drive motor 450, first feed roller motor 470 and second feed roller motor 490 for controlling operation thereof in order to suitably form images 20 on receiver 30.
  • displacement mechanism 350 displaces printer 410 (except for feed rollers 460/480 and platen 500), so that printer 410 is moved to a location proximate cleaning mechanism 170.
  • the solvent cleaning agent mentioned hereinabove may be any suitable liquid solvent composition, such as water, isopropanol, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, octane, acids and bases, surfactant solutions and any combination thereof.
  • suitable liquid solvent compositions such as water, isopropanol, diethylene glycol, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, octane, acids and bases, surfactant solutions and any combination thereof.
  • Complex liquid compositions may also be used, such as microemulsions, micellar surfactant solutions, vesicles and solid particles dispersed in the liquid.
  • an advantage of the present invention is that cleaning time is reduced. This is so because surface 95 of print head 60 is cleaned of contaminant simultaneously with cleaning ink channels 70 formed in the print head 60.
  • displacement mechanism 350 may be foldable to the upright position from a substantially horizontal position. This configuration of the invention will minimize the external envelope of printer 360 when print head 60 is not being cleaned by cleaning mechanism 170, so that printer 360 can be located in a confined space with limited headroom.
  • an ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having a wiper blade and transducer, and method of assembling the printer, which cleaning mechanism is capable of simultaneously cleaning the print head surface and ink channels.

Landscapes

  • Ink Jet (AREA)
EP99204268A 1998-12-28 1999-12-13 Imprimante à jet d'encre avec dispositif de nettoyage pourvu d'un balai d'essuyage et d'un transducteur et procédé pour l'assemblage de l'imprimante Withdrawn EP1016529A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/221,937 US6241337B1 (en) 1998-12-28 1998-12-28 Ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having a wiper blade and transducer and method of assembling the printer
US221937 1998-12-28

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1016529A1 true EP1016529A1 (fr) 2000-07-05

Family

ID=22830053

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99204268A Withdrawn EP1016529A1 (fr) 1998-12-28 1999-12-13 Imprimante à jet d'encre avec dispositif de nettoyage pourvu d'un balai d'essuyage et d'un transducteur et procédé pour l'assemblage de l'imprimante

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US6241337B1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1016529A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2000190515A (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1616702A1 (fr) * 2004-07-14 2006-01-18 Seiko Epson Corporation Appareil à éjection de liquide avec balai d'essuyage pour liquide
CN107284032A (zh) * 2017-08-02 2017-10-24 中国建筑设计院有限公司 一种用于全自动数码蓝图打印机的打印喷头保护装置
CN114940023A (zh) * 2021-02-16 2022-08-26 株式会社理光 液体排出装置及图像形成装置

Families Citing this family (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6007318A (en) * 1996-12-20 1999-12-28 Z Corporation Method and apparatus for prototyping a three-dimensional object
US7037382B2 (en) * 1996-12-20 2006-05-02 Z Corporation Three-dimensional printer
US6412904B1 (en) * 2000-05-23 2002-07-02 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd. Residue removal from nozzle guard for ink jet printhead
US6412908B2 (en) * 2000-05-23 2002-07-02 Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd Inkjet collimator
US6523930B2 (en) 2000-12-28 2003-02-25 Eastman Kodak Company Ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism using laminated polyimide structure and method cleaning an ink jet printer
KR100426087B1 (ko) * 2001-10-12 2004-04-06 삼성전자주식회사 프린트헤드 크리닝장치 및 이를 채용한 잉크젯 프린터
KR100431007B1 (ko) * 2001-12-03 2004-05-12 삼성전자주식회사 분무기를 갖는 잉크젯 프린터의 메인트넌스 장치
JP4120278B2 (ja) * 2002-06-04 2008-07-16 コニカミノルタホールディングス株式会社 リニアアクチュエータ
US6869161B2 (en) * 2002-06-28 2005-03-22 Agfa-Gevaert Method for cleaning a nozzle plate
JP2007503342A (ja) * 2003-05-23 2007-02-22 ズィー コーポレイション 三次元プリント装置及び方法
US20050035991A1 (en) * 2003-08-12 2005-02-17 Fredrickson Daniel John Inkjet printer cleaning system and method
US7118189B2 (en) * 2004-05-28 2006-10-10 Videojet Technologies Inc. Autopurge printing system
US7387359B2 (en) * 2004-09-21 2008-06-17 Z Corporation Apparatus and methods for servicing 3D printers
JP4096316B2 (ja) * 2004-09-29 2008-06-04 富士フイルム株式会社 液体吐出装置及び画像形成装置
JP2006095881A (ja) * 2004-09-29 2006-04-13 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd 液体吐出装置及び画像形成装置
US20070126157A1 (en) * 2005-12-02 2007-06-07 Z Corporation Apparatus and methods for removing printed articles from a 3-D printer
JP2007261088A (ja) * 2006-03-28 2007-10-11 Fujifilm Corp 液体吐出装置及び液体吐出ヘッドのメンテナンス方法
KR101267066B1 (ko) * 2006-03-29 2013-05-23 엘지디스플레이 주식회사 폴리이미드막 도포 장치 및 그 방법
KR101436647B1 (ko) 2006-05-26 2014-09-02 3디 시스템즈 인코오퍼레이티드 3ｄ 프린터 내에서 재료를 처리하기 위한 인쇄 헤드 및 장치 및 방법
KR20090000504A (ko) * 2007-06-28 2009-01-07 삼성전자주식회사 잉크젯 화상형성장치 및 스피팅 방법
ES2453271T3 (es) 2011-06-29 2014-04-07 Agfa Graphics N.V. Sistema y método para limpiar una placa de boquillas
JP2016104520A (ja) * 2014-12-01 2016-06-09 セイコーエプソン株式会社 液体噴射装置、超音波洗浄装置、及び、超音波洗浄方法
CN111212738A (zh) 2017-08-31 2020-05-29 恩图鲁斯特咨询卡有限公司 按需滴液打印头清洁机器和方法
CN112218763B (zh) 2018-05-11 2022-10-21 恩图鲁斯特有限公司 具有按需滴墨打印头自动维护例程的卡处理系统
KR102626157B1 (ko) * 2019-04-03 2024-01-17 가부시키가이샤 리코 액체 토출기 및 액체 토출 장치
US12097709B2 (en) 2019-05-23 2024-09-24 General Electric Company Cleaning fluids for use in additive manufacturing apparatuses and methods for monitoring status and performance of the same
EP3972813A2 (fr) 2019-05-23 2022-03-30 General Electric Company Appareils de fabrication additive et procédés d'utilisation associés
WO2020237161A1 (fr) 2019-05-23 2020-11-26 General Electric Company Appareils et procédés de fabrication additive
US12059841B2 (en) 2019-05-23 2024-08-13 General Electric Company Additive manufacturing recoat assemblies including sensors and methods for using the same

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4340897A (en) * 1981-07-29 1982-07-20 Pitney Bowes Inc. Cleaning device for writing heads used in ink jet recorders and printers
JPH0725028A (ja) * 1993-07-13 1995-01-27 Nec Corp インクジェットプリンタ
US5555461A (en) * 1994-01-03 1996-09-10 Xerox Corporation Self cleaning wiper blade for cleaning nozzle faces of ink jet printheads
US5574485A (en) * 1994-10-13 1996-11-12 Xerox Corporation Ultrasonic liquid wiper for ink jet printhead maintenance
US5614930A (en) 1994-03-25 1997-03-25 Hewlett-Packard Company Orthogonal rotary wiping system for inkjet printheads
JPH1044446A (ja) * 1996-08-07 1998-02-17 Minolta Co Ltd インクジェットヘッドのメンテナンス装置
US5790146A (en) * 1995-12-04 1998-08-04 Xerox Corporation Fluid applicator for maintenance of liquid ink printers

Family Cites Families (39)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3373437A (en) 1964-03-25 1968-03-12 Richard G. Sweet Fluid droplet recorder with a plurality of jets
GB1143079A (en) 1965-10-08 1969-02-19 Hertz Carl H Improvements in or relating to recording devices for converting electrical signals
US3846141A (en) 1970-12-07 1974-11-05 Dick Co Ab Jet printing ink composition
US3705043A (en) 1970-12-07 1972-12-05 Dick Co Ab Infrared absorptive jet printing ink composition
US3903034A (en) 1970-12-07 1975-09-02 Dick Co Ab Offset jet printing ink
US3776642A (en) 1972-08-01 1973-12-04 Dickey John Corp Grain analysis computer
DE2258835A1 (de) 1972-12-01 1974-06-12 Agfa Gevaert Ag Waessrige tinte fuer das ink-jetverfahren
US3870528A (en) 1973-12-17 1975-03-11 Ibm Infrared and visible dual dye jet printer ink
US3878519A (en) 1974-01-31 1975-04-15 Ibm Method and apparatus for synchronizing droplet formation in a liquid stream
CA1158706A (fr) 1979-12-07 1983-12-13 Carl H. Hertz Methode et dispositif de controle de la charge electrique de goutelettes, et imprimante au jet d'encre garnie du dispositif
US5202702A (en) 1985-04-08 1993-04-13 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Ink jet recording apparatus and a method of cleaning a recording head used in the apparatus
US4591870A (en) 1985-04-12 1986-05-27 Eastman Kodak Company Ink jet printing apparatus and method with condensate-washing for print head
US4600928A (en) 1985-04-12 1986-07-15 Eastman Kodak Company Ink jet printing apparatus having ultrasonic print head cleaning system
US4849769A (en) 1987-06-02 1989-07-18 Burlington Industries, Inc. System for ultrasonic cleaning of ink jet orifices
JP2626805B2 (ja) 1987-10-30 1997-07-02 キヤノン株式会社 インクジェット記録装置
JP2527774B2 (ja) 1987-12-29 1996-08-28 キヤノン株式会社 インクジェット記録装置
US5148746A (en) 1988-08-19 1992-09-22 Presstek, Inc. Print-head and plate-cleaning assembly
US4970535A (en) 1988-09-26 1990-11-13 Tektronix, Inc. Ink jet print head face cleaner
US5115250A (en) 1990-01-12 1992-05-19 Hewlett-Packard Company Wiper for ink-jet printhead
US5305015A (en) 1990-08-16 1994-04-19 Hewlett-Packard Company Laser ablated nozzle member for inkjet printhead
US5151715A (en) 1991-07-30 1992-09-29 Hewlett-Packard Company Printhead wiper for ink-jet printers
US6000792A (en) * 1992-09-02 1999-12-14 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Ink jet apparatus provided with an improved recovery mechanism
JPH06134998A (ja) 1992-10-22 1994-05-17 Canon Inc インクジェット記録装置
US5396271A (en) 1992-11-12 1995-03-07 Xerox Corporation Wiper blade cleaning system for non-coplanar nozzle faces of ink jet printheads
JP3175366B2 (ja) 1992-12-01 2001-06-11 富士ゼロックス株式会社 インクジェット記録用インク
US5350616A (en) 1993-06-16 1994-09-27 Hewlett-Packard Company Composite orifice plate for ink jet printer and method for the manufacture thereof
US5500660A (en) 1993-06-24 1996-03-19 Hewlett-Packard Company Wiper for inkjet printhead nozzle member
US5426458A (en) 1993-08-09 1995-06-20 Hewlett-Packard Corporation Poly-p-xylylene films as an orifice plate coating
US5489927A (en) 1993-08-30 1996-02-06 Hewlett-Packard Company Wiper for ink jet printers
US5612722A (en) 1993-10-26 1997-03-18 Lexmark International, Inc. Ink jet printhead wiper having side surfaces intersecting a top surface at acute angles to form wiping edges and a slat centered in a bottom surface
US5412411A (en) * 1993-11-26 1995-05-02 Xerox Corporation Capping station for an ink-jet printer with immersion of printhead in ink
JP3247545B2 (ja) 1994-06-24 2002-01-15 キヤノン株式会社 インクジェット記録装置
US5706038A (en) 1994-10-28 1998-01-06 Hewlett-Packard Company Wet wiping system for inkjet printheads
US5583548A (en) 1995-03-01 1996-12-10 Hewlett-Packard Company Bi-directional wiper for ink jet printhead and method of operation
US5774140A (en) 1995-10-31 1998-06-30 Hewlett-Packard Company Skip stroke wiping system for inkjet printheads
US5745133A (en) 1995-10-31 1998-04-28 Hewlett-Packard Company Dual pivoting wiper system for inkjet printheads
US5683187A (en) * 1996-06-18 1997-11-04 Scitex Digital Printing, Inc. Digital color press platen assembly with pivoting platen frame
US5738716A (en) 1996-08-20 1998-04-14 Eastman Kodak Company Color pigmented ink jet ink set
US5725647A (en) 1996-11-27 1998-03-10 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Pigmented inks and humectants used therewith

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4340897A (en) * 1981-07-29 1982-07-20 Pitney Bowes Inc. Cleaning device for writing heads used in ink jet recorders and printers
JPH0725028A (ja) * 1993-07-13 1995-01-27 Nec Corp インクジェットプリンタ
US5555461A (en) * 1994-01-03 1996-09-10 Xerox Corporation Self cleaning wiper blade for cleaning nozzle faces of ink jet printheads
US5614930A (en) 1994-03-25 1997-03-25 Hewlett-Packard Company Orthogonal rotary wiping system for inkjet printheads
US5574485A (en) * 1994-10-13 1996-11-12 Xerox Corporation Ultrasonic liquid wiper for ink jet printhead maintenance
US5790146A (en) * 1995-12-04 1998-08-04 Xerox Corporation Fluid applicator for maintenance of liquid ink printers
JPH1044446A (ja) * 1996-08-07 1998-02-17 Minolta Co Ltd インクジェットヘッドのメンテナンス装置

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1995, no. 04 31 May 1995 (1995-05-31) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1998, no. 06 30 April 1998 (1998-04-30) *

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1616702A1 (fr) * 2004-07-14 2006-01-18 Seiko Epson Corporation Appareil à éjection de liquide avec balai d'essuyage pour liquide
US7575296B2 (en) 2004-07-14 2009-08-18 Seiko Epson Corporation Liquid ejection apparatus with liquid wiper device
CN107284032A (zh) * 2017-08-02 2017-10-24 中国建筑设计院有限公司 一种用于全自动数码蓝图打印机的打印喷头保护装置
CN114940023A (zh) * 2021-02-16 2022-08-26 株式会社理光 液体排出装置及图像形成装置
US11858271B2 (en) 2021-02-16 2024-01-02 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Liquid discharge device and image forming apparatus
CN114940023B (zh) * 2021-02-16 2024-05-17 株式会社理光 液体排出装置及图像形成装置

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2000190515A (ja) 2000-07-11
US6241337B1 (en) 2001-06-05

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6241337B1 (en) Ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism having a wiper blade and transducer and method of assembling the printer
EP1002649B1 (fr) Imprimante par jet d'encre avec mécanisme de nettoyage et sa méthode d'assemblage
US6164751A (en) Ink jet printer with wiper blade and vacuum canopy cleaning mechanism and method of assembling the printer
EP1016528B1 (fr) Imprimante à jet d'encre avec mécanisme de nettoyage à balai d'essuyage et procédé d'assemblage de l'imprimante
EP1005997B1 (fr) Imprimante à jet d'encre auto-nettoyante à écoulement inverse et procédé d'assemblage de l'imprimante
US6183058B1 (en) Self-cleaning ink jet printer system with reverse fluid flow and method of assembling the printer system
US6290323B1 (en) Self-cleaning ink jet printer system with reverse fluid flow and rotating roller and method of assembling the printer system
EP1060894B1 (fr) Nettoyage à plusieurs fluides pour têtes d'impression à jet d'encre
JP4570239B2 (ja) 自己洗浄式インクジェットプリンタ
US6350007B1 (en) Self-cleaning ink jet printer using ultrasonics and method of assembling same
EP1170130B1 (fr) Ensemble pour nettoyer une tête d'impression à jet d'encre dans un système d'impression à jet d'encre auto-nettoyant
US6183057B1 (en) Self-cleaning ink jet printer having ultrasonics with reverse flow and method of assembling same
US6523930B2 (en) Ink jet printer with cleaning mechanism using laminated polyimide structure and method cleaning an ink jet printer
US6145952A (en) Self-cleaning ink jet printer and method of assembling same
EP1016530B1 (fr) Imprimante à jet d'encre avec cloison oscillante et procédé d'assemblage de l'imprimante
US6367905B1 (en) Print head cleaning assembly with roller and method for an ink jet print head with fixed gutter
EP1174270A1 (fr) Sytème et procédé de nettoyage avec disque tournant pour tête d'impression à jet d'encre avec gouttière fixe

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE FR GB

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20001207

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: DE FR GB

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

18W Application withdrawn

Effective date: 20061102